Cucumber Salmonella Outbreak: How Bedner Growers’ Canal Water Used in Farming Could Have Led to Food Illnesses Across the US

In late March, health officials identified a strain of salmonella found in untreated canal water used by Bedner Growers of Boynton Beach as the likely source of food poisoning that affected nearly 450 individuals across the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration collaborated on the investigation, which noted that the same strain of salmonella was also found in soil and water samples collected at the farm.

However, it is important to note that Bedner Growers was not responsible for all cucumber-related illnesses reported between late March and early June. Despite this, investigators consolidated two separate outbreaks related to cucumbers due to similarities such as timing and type of food consumed by those affected. Nearly 70% of sick individuals interviewed had consumed cucumbers before falling ill, making it clear that they were a significant risk factor in the outbreaks.

Bedner Growers provided crates of cucumbers to Fresh Start Produce Sales in Delray Beach, which recalled them in late May after initial reports of illnesses were made public. The company also provided cucumbers to various locations where affected individuals reported buying or consuming the produce. Despite using canal water for subsoil watering rather than edible parts of cucumber plants, Bedner Growers’ owner stated that this practice complies with federal regulations and is common in the industry.

The FDA has stated that an ongoing investigation is still being conducted to determine any further risks to the public from Bedner Growers’ activities during its cucumber growing and harvesting season. Although there are no remaining products from their farm on the market, it is crucial to be cautious when purchasing produce from other growers who may have used similar methods or practices as Bedner Growers during their growing season.